"I've owned my 2001 Montero XLS since 2004. I bought it from CarMax in Sacramento, CA in 2004 w/47,000 miles on it, clean bill of health. I loved this suv until about 2 yrs ago....for the first time ever it failed SMOG testing (a must in CA)in 2011 and this yr for the same problem....misfire/coils. I had it repaired 2 yrs ago and now have to take it back so it can pass SMOG so I can re-register it this month. However in the last yr I've had to spend $$$ on costly repairs, despite the TLC and check ups I've given it in my 9 yrs of ownership.
It's now having electrical issues, I can't open my huge moon roof, one of the pluses in purchasing it. It's going to be costly to repair.
I had the Timing Belt replaced in 2010, according to my mechanic needs to be replaced again! Front Differential has been repaired 2 times in 2 yrs time. Rear Main Seal needs to be replaced. The suv is leaking oil like crazy, I have to check it every week to make sure it's not bone dry....AND my truck sits in my driveway all week....I use it 2 times a week!!!
It's a good and reliable truck to have but not for more than 10 yrs!
In closing, I've always had my truck maintained when necessary and repairs done when needed, I've kept receipts for all repairs.......tho I've done all I can to keep my truck, it looks like I will have to replace it soon. :("

"We bought this car new, and put all it's miles on it ourselves. It has performed beautifully. We are going to let it go because we ended up with an extra car that is newer. It is difficult to let it go because it looks good inside and out, and has been such a great car."

Love this vehicle

Reviewer Ratings

Overall Rating

10/10

Value

10/10

Reliability

10/10

Quality

10/10

Performance

10/10

Styling

10/10

Comfort

10/10

Pros: "Fun and safe to drive"

Cons: "Bad gas milege ONLY"

Likely to recommend this car? (1-10): 10

"I have never owned a vehicle that I have loved to drive and felt safer in than this car. It has always been very dependable and a comfortable ride. I have traveled across the country a few different times with the higher miles on it and it performed wonderfully. Towing a trailer one time decreased my gas mileage significantly but this is not a heavy duty SUV. Taking it camping or off roading was a piece a cake with the higher drive train. Traveling in 12-18 inches of snow is as easy to drive as a dry street with the four-wheel drive. It just recently died on me after driving it very hard and I am heart broken. I have not felt nearly as safe and comfortable in my new vehicle as I was in this wonderful Montero. If Mitsubishi would make this same car again I would buy it in a heart beat. The ONLY thing that was a negative was the gas mileage and I enjoyed everything else so much that I was willing to pay for the gas."